Stratos Aircraft has unveiled the Stratos 716 model, an evolution of its 714 proof of concept (PoC) aircraft. "When we introduced the proof of concept aircraft last year the marketplace feedback was tremendous," says CTO Carsten Sundin. "It was clear that the market is looking for the performance and comfort we were offering, but in a true six-place aircraft. We have achieved this with the 716."

The cabin of the Stratos 716 is 31 inches longer and 3.5 inches wider than the four-seat 714 aircraft introduced at Oshkosh in 2017, enabling it to seat six in personal, business and air taxi roles.

So far the test aircraft has completed 130 test flights and logged 185 hours. "The 714 PoC aircraft has served a vital role in advancing the design towards the 716," continues Sundin. "We will first offer the 716 as an experimental kit aircraft. We see producing a limited number of kit aircraft as a logical step towards certification. It also allows customers who don't want to wait for certification an opportunity to own and operate a Stratos 716X much sooner."

The carbon fibre 716X kit version features trailing link gear and is powered by a Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5. It is configured with dual G3X screens, GTN 750 MFD, integrated Garmin autopilot, dual standby attitude indicators, custom switch panels, fully automated pressurisation system and air conditioning.

The Stratos 716X kit will include a builder's assist programme. Says Sundin: "The programme will allow us to deliver the 716X to a very select group of customers very soon while we continue with the programme for the 716 certified aircraft."

The first position for the Stratos 716X has been sold and is currently in production at the company's 41,000 sq ft facility in Redmond, Oregon. Stratos will announce the cost of the 716X kit and other programme details and take orders in Q4 of this year.